The Effects of Ageing on the Isolation, Proliferation and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

W.S. Khan and D.R. MarshCorresponding Author:Wasim Khan

Key words: , , , , , , Vol. 1 , (1): Page No: 1-6

Submitted

Accepted

Published

2009 May, 02

2009 May, 25

Abstract:

The reported effects of ageing on mesenchymal stem cells are variable. A number of studies have
shown an age-related decline in the number and proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells,
however a number of other studies found no difference. A number of studies have shown an age-related change
in the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells, but this has not been reported in some other studies.
Much of the conflicting data in the literature may be due to variations between mesenchymal stem cell donors
and in the culture conditions used. It may be that the effect of age on mesenchymal stem cells includes
induction of senescence that translates to a reduced cellular output upon culture and transplantation. The
molecular pathways involved in the ageing process are complicated and involve the INK4a locus on
chromosome 9, p21 that encodes the proteins p16INK4a. It regulates the p53 pathways that promote senescence
or apoptosis. The expression of p16INK4a in particular increases with age and regulates age-dependant
senescence, and has been proposed as a biomarker of physiologic as opposed to chronologic age, especially as
the expression increases with stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. All of the studies looking
at the effects of ageing have concentrated on chronological age as opposed to physiological age, and very few
have looked at senescence markers. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review on the effects of ageing
in mesenchymal stem cells in humans, mice, rats, rabbit and sheep.

W.S. Khan and D.R. Marsh, 2009. The Effects of Ageing on the Isolation, Proliferation and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 1(1): Page No: 1-6.